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Who else thinks the new Edexcel A-level maths specification is hideous?

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Original post by junayd1998
So if it take C1, C2 and S1 in 2017 there is a new spec for it? Or its the same as previous years?


If you start study in September 2017 with the intent of completing the A level exams in summer 2019 you will study the new specification.
Original post by junayd1998
Wait so there is a new spec for the AS level maths that will be taken in 2017?


Yep, this one could still change but with each month the chances of that get less and less likely.
Original post by junayd1998
So if it take C1, C2 and S1 in 2017 there is a new spec for it? Or its the same as previous years?


The structure will be different, C1 and C2 will be merged into P1 (pure, what they used to call the core modules before the 2008 specification) and you'll sit a joint paper of statistics and mechanics. This joint paper isn't S1 and M1 merged as all the topics have been swapped around.

In year 13, you'll sit P2 (a merge of C3 and C4), a second, larger, more complex joint paper of statistics and mechanics and a P1 paper at A2 standard.
(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by AlphaArgonian
The structure will be different, C1 and C2 will be merged into P1 (pure, what they used to call the core modules before the 2008 specification) and you'll sit a joint paper of statistics and mechanics. These joint paper isn't S1 and M1 merged as all the topics have been swapped around.



ugh great why do Edexcel have to confuse it and make it harder.
Original post by junayd1998
ugh great why do Edexcel have to confuse it and make it harder.


Confuse it? Because they are being absolute fools! Making it harder? Well they kinda have to, as believe it or not each generation is on average smarter than the previous one and furthermore, the current specification is considered too easy, something which I can understand. However, I fail to see why they don't just make the exams far harder, put all the new pure stuff into the FP4 module, add D3 and make it far more rigorous and put more core/pure application into statistics.

Mechanics is the best part of the 2008 spec, thank Darwin I love it!
Original post by junayd1998
ugh great why do Edexcel have to confuse it and make it harder.


Edexcel are required to reform the specification content and assessments by the UK government. All other domestic examiners are required to do the same. The new specifications result from widespread consultation and input from universities.

You may or may not take the new AS exams comprising a pure maths paper similar to C1&2 content and a mechanics/stats paper at the end of year 12. AS results will not contribute to the final grade and many schools have taken the decision not enter candidates for reformed AS levels who plan to take the full A level.

In year 13 you would take 2 pure maths papers that cover the two years of study and include the current C1-4 content with a few added topics and a mechanics/stats paper that contains a mix of topics from current M1&2/S1&2 units.
(edited 7 years ago)
Reply 26
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Original post by gdunne42
Edexcel are required to reform the specification content and assessments by the UK government. All other domestic examiners are required to do the same.

You may or may not take the new AS exams comprising a pure maths paper similar to C1&2 content and a mechanics/stats paper at the end of year 12. AS results will not contribute to the final grade and many schools have taken the decision not enter candidates for reformed AS levels who plan to take the full A level.

In year 13 you would take 2 pure maths papers the cover the current C1-4 content with a few added topics and a mechanics/stats paper that contains a mix of topics from current M1&2/S1&2 units.


But you can no longer just do "pure" plus mechanics, or "pure" plus stats? Even for Further Maths? So no M3, M4, S3, S4?

Will this be the same with the other exam boards?
Original post by jneill
But you can no longer just do "pure" plus mechanics, or "pure" plus stats? Even for Further Maths? So no M3, M4, S3, S4?

Will this be the same with the other exam boards?


The standard A level maths qualification for all examiners will comprise the same defined pure maths, mechanics and statistics content. There are draft specifications and sample exam papers on the each of the examiners web sites. More advance options will be available in a further maths A level and there is planned to be flexibility in the options chosen for further maths.
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Original post by gdunne42
The standard A level maths qualification for all examiners will comprise the same defined pure maths, mechanics and statistics content. There are draft specifications and sample exam papers on the each of the examiners web sites. More advance options will be available in a further maths A level and there is planned to be flexibility in the options chosen for further maths.


Ok - thanks :smile:
Original post by AlphaArgonian
The structure will be different, C1 and C2 will be merged into P1 (pure, what they used to call the core modules before the 2008 specification) and you'll sit a joint paper of statistics and mechanics. This joint paper isn't S1 and M1 merged as all the topics have been swapped around.

In year 13, you'll sit P2 (a merge of C3 and C4), a second, larger, more complex joint paper of statistics and mechanics and a P1 paper at A2 standard.


http://prntscr.com/by95pk Here is says 2018 the assessment will be taken place so does that mean the new spec don't concern me because i will be taking the exam in 2017?
Original post by junayd1998
http://prntscr.com/by95pk Here is says 2018 the assessment will be taken place so does that mean the new spec don't concern me because i will be taking the exam in 2017?


If you're starting this September you'll be doing the 2008 specification.
I'll be happy to help with any issues!
Original post by AlphaArgonian
If you're starting this September you'll be doing the 2008 specification.
I'll be happy to help with any issues!



Are you 100 percent sure? How do you know??
Original post by junayd1998
http://prntscr.com/by95pk Here is says 2018 the assessment will be taken place so does that mean the new spec don't concern me because i will be taking the exam in 2017?


If you are completing your A levels with A2 exams in summer 2017 or 2018 it will be with the existing specification and not the new specification.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/timings-for-the-withdrawal-of-legacy-gcses-as-and-a-levels


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(edited 7 years ago)
Original post by gdunne42
If you are completing your A levels with A2 exams in summer 2017 or 2018 it will be with the existing specification and not the new specification.


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How about if i am taking C1, C2 and S1 in 2017? Is that the new spec or the old spec?
Original post by jneill
But you can no longer just do "pure" plus mechanics, or "pure" plus stats? Even for Further Maths? So no M3, M4, S3, S4?

Will this be the same with the other exam boards?


Yup :frown:! There's two of FM (further mech), FS (further stats) and decision (further maths only)
But for instance, to specialise in stats you'd have to sacrifice two FP modules, which is unfair.
Original post by junayd1998
How about if i am taking C1, C2 and S1 in 2017? Is that the new spec or the old spec?


Old spec :smile:
Original post by junayd1998
How about if i am taking C1, C2 and S1 in 2017? Is that the new spec or the old spec?


Old


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Ok thanks guys.
this month I am starting maths a-level, will I be doing the 2008 specification or will I be doing the new 2017 specification?
Original post by miraclemuokebe
this month I am starting maths a-level, will I be doing the 2008 specification or will I be doing the new 2017 specification?


2008 specification.

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